Harrisburg – Matt Bishop took home top honors from the rabbit show on Saturday, Jan. 9, at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

The 15-year old of Myerstown, Pa. won both the senior showmanship contest and had the Best of Show rabbit, which was bred and owned by Matt. Bishop has been showing for four years before topping 1185 entries in the open show and 20 other senior showmen.

First place in the intermediate division went to Michelle Lingle, while junior champion went to Sidney Turner. A special contest for first-time rabbit showmen announced Lauren Turner as the champion showman.

Senior showmanship judge, Art Sweinhart commended the youth on the “tremendous contestants” in this year’s contest. “The thing I like best about this contest is that this is all about the kid,” he said. “They need to know how to convince me they know their animal.”

Contestants are judged on both their confidence and knowledge of the species.

In describing the showmanship contest, State and National Rabbit Queen, Hannah Wisniewski of Meadville, Pa. said, “The kids demonstrate what they know about the animals by checking for diseases and other conditions.” A nine-time Champion Showman at her county level, Hannah enjoyed the contest as a 4-H member and now encourages competitors as they do the same.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 285 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 9-16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.

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